Building the Future of Specialty Liberica Coffee

Because of its similarity to arabica's flavor, processing liberica green beans is often expected to meet the same standards as arabica. This could overlook the uniqueness of liberica's flavor complexity. Hence, a specific standard for liberica as a specialty coffee is needed. This standard will serve as guidance for stakeholders in the coffee value chain to develop liberica and tap into global markets. To date, a standard for liberica coffee is not available, and SUAKA is committed to actively participating in its development.

To do so, SUAKA explores how each stage of the value chain influences the quality and flavor of liberica coffee. We begin with post-harvest handling. We currently collaborate with farmers, farmer groups, and extension services in Banyuwangi and Jember, East Java, to experiment with the effects of different post-harvest handling methods on the flavor of liberica coffee. Step by step, we collaboratively unlock the full potential of liberica coffee, from its cherries to the cup. Cracking the post-harvest handling process for liberica coffee is expected to be completed this year, followed by experiments on roasting methods.

When it comes to specialty coffee, consumers believe in the flavors offered by arabica coffee. Unfortunately, planting arabica coffee requires a readiness to face the challenges posed by climate change, as extreme weather and pest outbreaks are difficult to predict.

Liberica is a promising coffee variety with a flavor complexity similar to that of arabica coffee. The good news is that liberica coffee can be cultivated at low altitudes, like robusta coffee, and is resilient to hot weather. Considering these two strengths, Indonesia, with its vast area of robusta coffee cultivation, could position itself as a pioneer in developing liberica coffee on a commercial scale. This is what SUAKA has been initiating.

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In the meantime, a huge gap needs to be closed to develop liberica coffee. Besides the quality standard, information on the quantity of liberica coffee is still lacking. We need to determine the area of liberica coffee plantations. Hence, we can understand how to optimize the yield of liberica coffee and whether existing practices are sustainable. The value chain of liberica coffee is not well understood. An established value chain will determine the consistency and reliability of producers in meeting consumer demand.

The road to shaping liberica as a specialty coffee is long, but we know how to get there. An African proverb says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Would you work with us to develop the full potential of liberica coffee? Contact us!